Photo courtesy of @pipertheminisheepadoodle on Instagram.
The decision between getting a male vs female Sheepadoodle is one of the most challenging choices you’ll have to make as a prospective puppy owner. While the differences between male or female Sheepadoodles are largely subtle, they do exist.
This article will compare these two genders based on their size, appearance, health, grooming, and personality differences. By the end, you should be able to make an informed decision as to whether the male Sheepadoodle vs female Sheepadoodle is best for your family!
Male vs Female Sheepadoodle Health Differences
Like any dog breed, the Poodle and Old English Sheepdog have an array of health issues that are common in their breed. While mixing the genetics of these two breeds can help reduce the odds of some of these health issues, many are still risk factors for Sheepadoodle puppies.
Typically, gender does not play a significant role in a Sheepadoodle’s health. The exception is when it comes to medical conditions that are affected by sex hormone levels, such as mammary cancers in females.
If we spay or neuter our Sheepadoodles early on in their lives, they are less likely to suffer from these sorts of problems.
All dog owners, but particularly Sheepadoodle owners, should have pet insurance as soon as they take their puppy home. This helps cover the unexpected vet bills associated with illness or injury.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is one example of a reputable pet insurance company you can use, offering you peace of mind from day one.
Male vs Female Sheepadoodle Size & Appearance Differences
The physical difference between a male or female Sheepadoodle will be more evident than in smaller hybrid dogs.
Standard Sheepadoodles can reach heights of 24 inches and weights of 100 pounds or more! Many of the largest Sheepadoodles are males since male Sheepadoodles tend to be about 10% bigger than female Sheepadoodles.
This 10% rule applies to mini Sheepadoodles and toy Sheepadoodles as well. However, the size differences between the genders aren’t quite as noticeable due to their smaller statures.
Keep in mind that the difference in stature between the male vs female Sheepadoodle can be opposite when they are puppies. Females will appear larger as they mature a little quicker than male Sheepadoodles.
After about two years, when this breed is fully grown, you’ll be able to see their “true” difference in size.
Male vs Female Sheepadoodle Grooming & Upkeep Differences
The coat of the Sheepadoodle is highly variable, and even within the same litter, puppies can have a range of different fur types.
Their fur can be straight, wavy, or curly, like their Poodle parent. Sheepadoodles are usually black, white, gray, or some combination of these three shades.
The genes a Sheepadoodle puppy inherits from their parents will dictate their coat type, not whether they are male or female. You’ll often hear breeders talk about “generations” of Sheepadoodles such as an F1, F1B, F2, or even “reverse F1B.”
These generations describe the theoretical percentage of Poodle vs Old English Sheepdog DNA that your puppy has. Sheepadoodles with more Poodle DNA tend to shed less and have a curlier coat.
You can read all about Sheepadoodle generations and how they’ll affect your dog in our article here!
Regardless of generation, grooming your Sheepadoodle can be a real chore. Even though they are not heavy shedders, they need to be brushed several times a week.
This removes the small amount of trapped fur that has been shed and keeps the coat clean and the skin healthy. The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is a good option for Sheepadoodles, ensuring tangles and mats won’t form.
Male vs Female Sheepadoodle Behavioral Differences
When it comes to the behavior and temperament of a male vs female Sheepadoodle, there won’t be obvious differences. Personality traits between genders are typically noticeable only in dogs that have not been spayed or neutered.
If they are a pet and not used for breeding, don’t expect your Sheepadoodle’s gender to influence their personality. Most “gender-related differences” owners report seeing are actually just their individual Sheepadoodle’s personality and have nothing to do with whether they’re male or female.
You’ll even find that typically male-associated behaviors like humping and territory marking can also be exhibited in females!
Don’t purchase a male or female Sheepadoodle expecting certain personality traits. Each dog is an individual and will develop their own unique personality, regardless of whether they have XX or XY chromosomes.
Male or Female Sheepadoodle: What’s Your Decision?
There is no “right” answer here. Both the male vs female Sheepadoodle will make an excellent family pet and provide you with years of companionship and happiness.
Assuming you spay or neuter your pup, the only actual impact gender should have on your decision is when it comes to your size preferences.
Other than that, instead of prioritizing a male or female Sheepadoodle, focus on selecting the puppy whose personality and energy level match that of your family!
Dr. Linda Simon
Contributing Professional
Dr. Linda Simon is a small animal veterinary surgeon who works as a locum vet in the UK. She qualified in 2013 from UCD, Ireland and was top of her year in small animal medicine. Linda writes for a range of animal-related publications and is the resident vet for Pooch & Mutt dog food. She is a proud doodle owner who shares her life with a 3 year old Cavapoo named Raffie!
